D-8 Countries Pledge Support For Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan 

The Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) member countries has said it will support Nigeria’s energy transition plan in a move to aid the country improved its power sector performance. 

Secretary-general of D-8, Amb Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam gave the hint when he received members of the board of directors of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET), on visit to Republic of Turkiye recently to sign a partnership deal with Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST), a Turkish energy firm.

The delegation was led by the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Nebolisa Anako to Istanbul.

A statement issued the D-8 press office yesterday in Abuja and signed by Ilham Uludag, said Imam praised the bold initiative of the government of Nigeria for having thought it wise to enter into partnership with EXIST in the area of energy sector, adding that this would further concretize the ongoing efforts at the D-8 organization to scale up intra- cooperation among member countries.

He said, “The step being taken by the federal government of Nigeria by going into partnership with a company in one of our member countries to solve its electricity problems gladdens our hearts and this is the type of initiative we are encouraging and ready to support at our organisation”.

Speaking further, the secretary-general emphasized on the key importance of energy sector towards achieving the goals of economic growth in D-8 member countries and pledged the support of the organization for Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

He disclosed that the organisation will be holding its first sectoral meeting on energy in Iran later this year and enjoined NBET to participate along with the Nigerian delegation, while also promising to liaise with member countries for possible capacity building programmes with NBET in the area of energy.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Nebolisa Anako thanked the Secretary General for accepting to receive his team and used the opportunity to share information on the role of NBET in the Nigeria power sector.

Amongst members of the delegation from Nigeria that accompanied Mr. Anako was, Mr. Ben Akabueze, the director-general, Budget Office of the Federation, Ms. Patience Oniha, director-general, Debt Management Office of Nigeria and Mr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa MD/CEO, NBET.

During the visit, Mr. Onder Yol, Chairman of ZY Electric Company in Turkiye, was also on hand to introduce his company, where he explained its projects in the renewable energy sector and sought for potential collaboration with the Nigerian government.